Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Photoshop - Industry-standard professional software for advanced photo retouching, compositing, healing, and precise image manipulation.
- 2#2: Capture One Pro - Professional RAW editor with superior color grading, layers, and tethered retouching tools favored by studio photographers.
- 3#3: Affinity Photo - Affordable one-time purchase photo editor offering Photoshop-like retouching tools, live filters, and non-destructive editing.
- 4#4: Adobe Lightroom Classic - Non-destructive RAW processor with powerful local adjustment brushes, healing, and batch retouching for efficient workflows.
- 5#5: Luminar Neo - AI-driven photo editor automating skin retouching, relight, sky replacement, and portrait enhancements with intuitive sliders.
- 6#6: PortraitPro - Specialized AI software for automatic portrait retouching including skin smoothing, face sculpting, and digital makeup.
- 7#7: DxO PhotoLab - Advanced RAW converter with unmatched noise reduction, lens corrections, and precise local retouching controls.
- 8#8: ON1 Photo RAW - All-in-one editor featuring AI masking, sky swap, portrait retouching, and effects layered on RAW files.
- 9#9: Retouch4me - Suite of AI plugins for Photoshop and Lightroom automating skin healing, dodge & burn, and portrait cleanup.
- 10#10: GIMP - Free open-source image editor with clone, heal, curves, and layer-based tools for detailed photo retouching.
We prioritized tools that excel in technical performance—such as color accuracy, layer management, and noise reduction—alongside user experience, versatility, and value. Our ranking reflects a blend of advanced features (from studio-grade tethered editing to AI-driven portrait tools) and accessibility, ensuring the list serves diverse needs, from freelance retouchers to professional studios.
Comparison Table
For anyone seeking to elevate their image editing, selecting the right photo retouching software is key, as different tools cater to diverse needs. This comparison table explores tools like Adobe Photoshop, Capture One Pro, Affinity Photo, and more, outlining their unique features, strengths, and ideal workflows to help readers identify their perfect match.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Photoshop Industry-standard professional software for advanced photo retouching, compositing, healing, and precise image manipulation. | creative_suite | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 2 | Capture One Pro Professional RAW editor with superior color grading, layers, and tethered retouching tools favored by studio photographers. | creative_suite | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Affinity Photo Affordable one-time purchase photo editor offering Photoshop-like retouching tools, live filters, and non-destructive editing. | creative_suite | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | Adobe Lightroom Classic Non-destructive RAW processor with powerful local adjustment brushes, healing, and batch retouching for efficient workflows. | creative_suite | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Luminar Neo AI-driven photo editor automating skin retouching, relight, sky replacement, and portrait enhancements with intuitive sliders. | general_ai | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | PortraitPro Specialized AI software for automatic portrait retouching including skin smoothing, face sculpting, and digital makeup. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | DxO PhotoLab Advanced RAW converter with unmatched noise reduction, lens corrections, and precise local retouching controls. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | ON1 Photo RAW All-in-one editor featuring AI masking, sky swap, portrait retouching, and effects layered on RAW files. | creative_suite | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 9 | Retouch4me Suite of AI plugins for Photoshop and Lightroom automating skin healing, dodge & burn, and portrait cleanup. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | GIMP Free open-source image editor with clone, heal, curves, and layer-based tools for detailed photo retouching. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 6.0/10 | 10/10 |
Industry-standard professional software for advanced photo retouching, compositing, healing, and precise image manipulation.
Professional RAW editor with superior color grading, layers, and tethered retouching tools favored by studio photographers.
Affordable one-time purchase photo editor offering Photoshop-like retouching tools, live filters, and non-destructive editing.
Non-destructive RAW processor with powerful local adjustment brushes, healing, and batch retouching for efficient workflows.
AI-driven photo editor automating skin retouching, relight, sky replacement, and portrait enhancements with intuitive sliders.
Specialized AI software for automatic portrait retouching including skin smoothing, face sculpting, and digital makeup.
Advanced RAW converter with unmatched noise reduction, lens corrections, and precise local retouching controls.
All-in-one editor featuring AI masking, sky swap, portrait retouching, and effects layered on RAW files.
Suite of AI plugins for Photoshop and Lightroom automating skin healing, dodge & burn, and portrait cleanup.
Free open-source image editor with clone, heal, curves, and layer-based tools for detailed photo retouching.
Adobe Photoshop
creative_suiteIndustry-standard professional software for advanced photo retouching, compositing, healing, and precise image manipulation.
Generative Fill, an AI-driven tool that intelligently fills selections with context-aware content for effortless object removal or expansion.
Adobe Photoshop is the industry-leading photo retouching software, renowned for its comprehensive toolkit that enables precise editing, from blemish removal and skin smoothing to complex compositing and color grading. It supports non-destructive editing through layers, masks, and adjustment layers, making it ideal for professional workflows. Recent AI enhancements like Neural Filters and Generative Fill automate and accelerate retouching tasks while maintaining creative control.
Pros
- Unmatched array of retouching tools including Healing Brush, Clone Stamp, and Liquify
- AI-powered Neural Filters and Generative Fill for intelligent, fast edits
- Seamless integration with Adobe ecosystem and vast plugin support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Subscription-only model with recurring costs
- Resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware
Best For
Professional photographers, retouchers, and digital artists needing the most advanced tools for high-end photo retouching.
Pricing
Subscription via Creative Cloud: Photography plan $19.99/month (Photoshop + Lightroom), All Apps $59.99/month.
Capture One Pro
creative_suiteProfessional RAW editor with superior color grading, layers, and tethered retouching tools favored by studio photographers.
Advanced Layers system with unlimited non-destructive adjustments, blending modes, and AI-powered subject selection for complex retouching
Capture One Pro is a professional-grade photo editing and retouching software renowned for its superior RAW processing and advanced tools tailored for high-end image refinement. It excels in precise color grading, layered retouching, and AI-assisted masking, making it ideal for portrait, product, and fashion photographers seeking unparalleled detail control. Unlike more general editors, it prioritizes tethered shooting and customizable workflows for studio pros.
Pros
- Exceptional color accuracy and dynamic range handling
- Advanced layered retouching with precise masking and healing tools
- Superior tethered capture and customizable workspace for efficiency
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- High cost compared to subscription-based alternatives
- Interface feels cluttered for casual users
Best For
Professional photographers and retouchers who demand pixel-perfect control over RAW files in studio environments.
Pricing
Perpetual license at $299 or subscription starting at $24/month; free version available for select camera brands.
Affinity Photo
creative_suiteAffordable one-time purchase photo editor offering Photoshop-like retouching tools, live filters, and non-destructive editing.
Dedicated Personas (Liquify, Develop, Photo) that provide specialized, streamlined interfaces for targeted retouching workflows
Affinity Photo is a professional-grade raster image editor renowned for its photo retouching capabilities, offering tools like the Inpainting Brush, Clone Stamp, Healing Brush, and Liquify Persona for precise skin retouching and object removal. It supports non-destructive editing through live adjustment layers, masks, and frequency separation workflows, making it suitable for high-end retouching tasks. With GPU acceleration and RAW processing in the Develop Persona, it handles large files efficiently without subscriptions.
Pros
- One-time purchase with perpetual license and free major updates
- Comprehensive retouching toolkit including advanced brushes, selections, and layer-based non-destructive edits
- Excellent performance with GPU acceleration for smooth handling of high-resolution images
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to dense interface and numerous panels
- Limited AI-driven features like automated object removal compared to Adobe Photoshop
- No built-in cataloging or library management for photo organization
Best For
Professional retouchers and photographers seeking a powerful, cost-effective Photoshop alternative for detailed skin, portrait, and compositing work.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $69.99 for desktop (Mac/Windows), $18.99 for iPad; includes free updates and cross-platform license.
Adobe Lightroom Classic
creative_suiteNon-destructive RAW processor with powerful local adjustment brushes, healing, and batch retouching for efficient workflows.
Generative Remove AI for intelligent, seamless object removal and inpainting in photos
Adobe Lightroom Classic is a powerful desktop application for photo organization, editing, and retouching, tailored for professional photographers handling large image libraries. It provides non-destructive editing with advanced tools like AI-powered masking, healing brushes, and Generative Remove for precise retouching tasks such as blemish removal and object erasure. The software integrates seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop for more complex edits while emphasizing efficient workflow through its catalog system and batch processing capabilities.
Pros
- Exceptional non-destructive editing and AI tools like Generative Remove for efficient retouching
- Superior catalog management for organizing thousands of photos
- Batch processing and presets for high-volume workflows
Cons
- Subscription-only model with no perpetual license option
- Steeper learning curve for advanced local adjustment tools
- Less precise for pixel-level retouching than dedicated tools like Photoshop
Best For
Professional photographers who manage large photo libraries and need streamlined retouching within an organized workflow.
Pricing
Included in Adobe Photography plan ($9.99/month billed annually, with Photoshop) or Creative Cloud All Apps ($59.99/month).
Luminar Neo
general_aiAI-driven photo editor automating skin retouching, relight, sky replacement, and portrait enhancements with intuitive sliders.
SkinAI and BodyAI for intelligent, one-click portrait retouching and reshaping
Luminar Neo is an AI-driven photo editing software from Skylum, specializing in quick and powerful retouching for portraits, landscapes, and general images. It features tools like SkinAI for smoothing and enhancing skin, BodyAI for reshaping, RelightAI for dynamic lighting adjustments, and GenErase for object removal. As a standalone app or plugin for Lightroom and Photoshop, it emphasizes non-destructive editing with one-click AI enhancements, making complex retouching accessible.
Pros
- Powerful AI tools like SkinAI and RelightAI for effortless portrait retouching
- Intuitive, beginner-friendly interface with one-click presets
- Non-destructive editing and seamless plugin integration
Cons
- Limited advanced manual layer controls compared to Photoshop
- Many premium features require paid extensions
- Can be resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
Best For
Amateur and semi-pro photographers who want fast AI-assisted retouching without a complex workflow.
Pricing
One-time purchase from $79-$149; subscription $79/year or $11.95/month; extensions extra, free trial available.
PortraitPro
specializedSpecialized AI software for automatic portrait retouching including skin smoothing, face sculpting, and digital makeup.
Advanced Face Sculpt tool for realistic reshaping and expression control
PortraitPro is an AI-powered photo retouching software designed specifically for portrait enhancement, automatically detecting facial features to smooth skin, whiten teeth, brighten eyes, and reshape faces with natural results. It offers intuitive sliders for precise control over enhancements like slimming, aging/de-aging, and digital makeup application. While excels in speed and automation for professional-level portrait retouches, it lacks broader photo editing capabilities beyond faces.
Pros
- Highly accurate AI face detection and automated enhancements
- Intuitive sliders for natural-looking retouches without manual masking
- Batch processing for efficient workflow on multiple images
Cons
- Limited to portrait retouching, no general photo editing tools
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Higher price point for its niche focus
Best For
Portrait photographers and retouchers seeking fast, automated facial enhancements without extensive manual work.
Pricing
One-time purchase: Standard ($99.95), Studio ($169.95), Studio Max ($199.95); upgrade discounts available.
DxO PhotoLab
specializedAdvanced RAW converter with unmatched noise reduction, lens corrections, and precise local retouching controls.
DeepPRIME XD AI noise reduction, delivering artifact-free denoising superior to competitors even on extreme ISO images
DxO PhotoLab is a professional RAW photo editor renowned for its scientific approach to image correction, featuring automatic lens distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignette fixes based on an extensive optical database. It excels in noise reduction with AI-powered DeepPRIME XD technology, enabling clean results from high-ISO shots, and offers precise local retouching via Control Points for selective adjustments without masks. While strong in technical corrections and non-destructive editing, it supports healing, cloning, and color grading for comprehensive photo retouching workflows.
Pros
- Unmatched DeepPRIME XD noise reduction for high-ISO images
- Precise automatic lens corrections from vast database
- Powerful non-destructive local adjustments with Control Points
Cons
- Steep learning curve and cluttered interface for beginners
- Limited creative retouching tools compared to Photoshop
- No built-in cataloging or asset management like Lightroom
Best For
Professional photographers specializing in RAW processing, astrophotography, or low-light shots who prioritize technical accuracy and noise reduction in retouching.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $144.99 (Essential) to $219.99 (Elite); annual subscriptions $99.99-$154.99.
ON1 Photo RAW
creative_suiteAll-in-one editor featuring AI masking, sky swap, portrait retouching, and effects layered on RAW files.
Portrait AI for intelligent, one-click skin retouching, eye sharpening, and teeth whitening
ON1 Photo RAW is an all-in-one photo editing software that combines RAW processing, layered retouching, and AI-powered effects for professional photographers. It excels in non-destructive editing with tools like Portrait AI for skin smoothing, eye enhancement, and blemish removal, alongside Sky Swap AI and NoNoise AI for comprehensive retouching workflows. As a subscription-free alternative to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, it supports batch processing and seamless integration with other editors.
Pros
- Powerful AI tools like Portrait AI for automated skin and facial retouching
- Perpetual license option with no subscription required
- Layer-based non-destructive editing and fast RAW processing
Cons
- Cluttered interface with steep learning curve for beginners
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
- Limited third-party plugin support compared to Photoshop
Best For
Professional photographers seeking a cost-effective, AI-driven retouching solution without recurring fees.
Pricing
One-time purchase $99.99 (perpetual license); optional ON1 Max subscription $91.99/year for updates and extras.
Retouch4me
specializedSuite of AI plugins for Photoshop and Lightroom automating skin healing, dodge & burn, and portrait cleanup.
Specialized AI plugins for targeted retouching tasks like adaptive skin heal and portrait relight
Retouch4me is a suite of AI-powered plugins for Adobe Photoshop that automate professional photo retouching tasks such as skin smoothing, dodge and burn, body reshaping, and healing. Each plugin uses machine learning to analyze images and deliver natural, high-quality results with minimal manual input. Ideal for speeding up workflows, it excels in portrait and beauty retouching while maintaining skin texture integrity.
Pros
- Exceptional AI automation for time-saving retouching
- Natural-looking results with preserved skin details
- Seamless integration as Photoshop plugins
Cons
- Requires Adobe Photoshop subscription
- Individual plugins must be purchased separately
- Occasional need for manual tweaks on complex images
Best For
Professional photographers and retouchers who use Photoshop and want to accelerate repetitive editing tasks without sacrificing quality.
Pricing
Individual plugins $99-$120 each; bundles and subscriptions available starting at $29/month.
GIMP
otherFree open-source image editor with clone, heal, curves, and layer-based tools for detailed photo retouching.
Open-source architecture with vast community-driven plugins for endless customization
GIMP is a free, open-source raster graphics editor available at gimp.org, renowned for its comprehensive image manipulation and photo retouching capabilities. It provides professional-grade tools such as layers, masks, clone stamp, healing brush, curves, levels, and frequency separation for detailed retouching workflows. While it competes with paid software like Photoshop in functionality, its customizable interface and plugin ecosystem make it a staple for resourceful users.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no ads or limitations
- Extensive retouching tools including advanced selections, brushes, and filters
- Highly customizable via scripts, plugins, and themes
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to non-intuitive interface
- Dated UI that feels cluttered compared to modern alternatives
- Limited native support for non-destructive editing workflows
Best For
Budget-conscious hobbyists and semi-professionals who need powerful photo retouching without paying for software.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, no paid tiers or subscriptions).
Conclusion
The curated list of photo retouching tools highlights a blend of professional power and tailored innovation, with Adobe Photoshop reigning as the top choice—its advanced manipulation and compositing make it indispensable for diverse projects. Capture One Pro excels for studio photographers with superior color grading, while Affinity Photo offers accessible, non-destructive editing at a one-time cost, solid alternatives for specific needs.
Dive into the world of precise, impactful retouching by exploring Adobe Photoshop first—its industry-leading tools deliver the flexibility and control to transform your images effortlessly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison